Archive for the 'R&D' Category
January 3rd, 2011 by admin
UCSF researchers have shown for the first time that the human fetal immune system arises from an entirely different source than the adult immune system, and is more likely to tolerate than fight foreign substances in its environment. The finding could lead to a better understanding of how newborns respond to both infections and vaccines, and may explain such conundrums as why many infants of HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the disease before birth, the researchers said.
Continue reading ‘Human Fetal Immune System Arises from Entirely Different Source than Adult Immune System’
December 31st, 2010 by admin
Novartis has submitted its meningococcal B vaccine Bexsero to the EU for marketing approval. “The Bexsero submission in the EU is an important milestone toward achieving the world’s first broad-coverage MenB vaccine through our unique multi-component approach,” said Andrin Oswald, head of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Division. “Meningococcal disease is sudden and aggressive, leaving little time for treatment. Proactive vaccination of individuals has been shown to offer the best protection against fatal infectious diseases.
Continue reading ‘Novartis Files for Bexsero Approval’
December 30th, 2010 by admin
No, gold-plated liposomes are not a luxury gift that you’d find in your Christmas stocking, but they could someday give cancer patients the gift of life by selectively knocking out cancer cells while leaving healthy ones alone. This holiday gift comes courtesy of Marek Romanowski, an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering, along with the grad students in his lab, Xenia Kachur and Sarah Leung.
Continue reading ‘Gold-plated Liposomes an Anti-Cancer Stocking Stuffer’
December 23rd, 2010 by admin
The build up of sticky mucus in the lungs of some cystic fibrosis patients could be prevented using medication, a study has suggested. The US study of 350 children and young people found denufosol helped keep airways moist and so clear the mucus.
Continue reading ‘Drug Helps Clear Lung Mucus in Cystic Fibrosis Patients’
December 20th, 2010 by admin
New molecular tools developed at the University of Michigan show promise for “cleansing” the brain of amyloid plaques, implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.
Continue reading ‘Unraveling Alzheimer’s: Simple Small Molecules Could Untangle Complex Disease’
December 6th, 2010 by admin
By Phase III, researchers are supposed to have a pretty good handle on just how promising an experimental therapy can be. There’s proof-of-concept data in the can and some clear indications of just how big a market a new drug can go on to capture.
Continue reading ‘The Top 10 Phase III Failures of 2010′
December 3rd, 2010 by admin
Big Pharma is a global business, with a host of players scattered throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia. But Big Biotech was born and bred in the U.S. And despite considerable international diversification, the industry still has made-in-the-USA stamped into its DNA.
Continue reading ‘Biotech’s Biggest R&D Spenders 2010′
November 26th, 2010 by admin
According to recent research the color, shape, taste and even name of a tablet or pill can have an effect on how patients feel about their medication. Choose an appropriate combination and the placebo effect gives the pill a boost, improves outcomes and might even reduce side effects. Now, researchers at the University of Bombay, New Mumbai, India, have surveyed users of over-the-counter (OTC) medication to find out just how much the color of a tablet influences patient choice.
Continue reading ‘Color and Shape of Pills Affects How Patients Feel About Medication’
November 15th, 2010 by admin
University of Utah (U of U) medical researchers have uncovered a wiring diagram that shows how the brain pays attention to visual, cognitive, sensory, and motor cues. The research provides a critical foundation for the study of abnormalities in attention that can be seen in many brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder.
Continue reading ‘How is our Brain Wired for Attention?’
November 12th, 2010 by admin
Veterans diagnosed with any psychiatric illness appear to have an elevated risk of suicide, and men with bipolar disorder and women with substance abuse disorders may have a particularly high risk, according to the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Continue reading ‘Veterans with Bipolar Disorder May Have Increased Risk of Suicide’
